Today’s Playbook

This EuroLeague regular season has been a rollercoaster, but we finished strong with a win over Zalgiris. Now it’s playoff time! We’re up against a tough opponent, last year’s EuroLeague Champions, Panathinaikos. Expect some intense battles ahead!

There's nothing like this time of year, the energy, the pressure and the hunger to win.

Here’s what’s on my mind in this week’s newsletter:

• 🏀The Cost of Chasing Greatness

• 🌱No-Bead Season: Healthy Doesn’t Have to Be Boring

• ▶️YouTube → BRUTAL Life of a EuroLeague Player

• Weekly Q+A → @wagon8628 on YouTube asked…

The Cost of Chasing Greatness🏀

The Playbook Mindset

In Full Swing (Netflix series about golf), Season 3, Episode 7 — Keegan Bradley opens up about the Guilt of Chasing Greatness while Missing Time with his family. That hit home. Especially now, with my family visiting from the U.S. — it's been so long since they’ve seen me play.

As I’ve gotten older and started raising my own family, I’ve realized that every hour spent working is an hour away from them.

That realization brings urgency—not just to work harder, but to work with intention. Time at work can’t just be spent; it has to be invested. Otherwise, what’s the point?

The Trade-Off: Resources Vs. Presence

We all chase success to provide better opportunities, financial security, freedom for our loved ones. But at some point, you start asking yourself:

• Are these resources more valuable than the moments I miss?

• Will my kids remember what I bought them or the time I spent with them?

• Am I chasing greatness for them or for myself?

The Reality: The Sacrifices That Come With It

For example, this summer, before I got back to training, I made sure to spend quality time with my family — to create memories and be present. But once training started, my focus was clear: get better every single day. That’s what drives me. It’s not about the points, the money, or the accolades.

It’s about answering one question: How great can Elijah Bryant be?

That same mentality will apply to whatever I do next, whether it’s tech, real estate, or my farm. I’ve learned that joy comes from the process—from growing, from pushing myself, and from seeing the results of consistency.

But that doesn’t mean doubt doesn’t creep in.

We played a big game in Belgrade, Serbia, and I didn’t go to sleep until three in the morning. The next day, we woke up, travelled all day, and went straight to practice. No real rest. No downtime. Just back to work.

And then, after practice, I had a choice:

Do I go home and relax? or do I stay locked in and take care of my body, get a massage, ice bath, and prep for the next game?

Most people would say, “It’s okay, you can skip the recovery today.”

But no — we always talk about it: It’s Not about intensity. It’s about consistency.

Yes, that’s less time with my kids. Yes, that’s a sacrifice. But if I’m chasing greatness, I can’t cut corners. That’s why having a strong foundation matters. It’s important to have a supportive partner who picks up where you can’t.

@jenelle.bryant

Playoff bound❤️💙 #BasketballWife #wag #overseasbasketballwife #livingoverseas #probasketball #euroleague #istanbul

PlayBook Action Steps

Here’s what I’ve learned about balancing the pursuit of greatness with family:

✅ Be where your feet are – When you’re with family, be fully present. No distractions.

✅ Make work count – If you’re sacrificing time with loved ones, make sure the work is worth it.

✅ Commit to consistency – It’s the daily habits, not the one-time efforts, that build success.

✅ Lean on your foundation – A strong support system makes all the difference.

Greatness isn’t just about what you achieve. It’s about who you become and how you impact the people around you.

Faith + Consistency™. That’s the formula.

No-Bread Season: Healthy Doesn’t Have to Be Boring🌱

Last time, I shared some quick takeaways from my decision to cut out bread. One thing I’m starting to realize is that healthy food for athletes doesn’t have to be boring. It’s not just about eating bland meals — it’s about fueling your body with clean, balanced nutrition that also tastes amazing.

So today, I want to share one of my favourite breakfast recipes from my wife, Jen: Banana Oatmeal Pancakes🍌 

These pancakes are naturally gluten- and dairy-free, contain no added sugar, and come together in about 20 minutes.

Here’s the link, as always, to my full list of guides, available to you as a part of the Playbook Community!

Playbook Guides (Workouts, Pro Tips, Mobility Guides, Recovery info, etc)

YouTube Journey▶

This season is becoming absolutely brutal! First, we go head-to-head against Baskonia in Istanbul — then straight on the road to Latvia to face my old team, Maccabi Tel Aviv. The intensity of both games was INSANE. Follow me behind the scenes on this crazy journey through the final games of the regular season. The pressure is real. 

Q&A ❓

@wagon8628 on YouTube asked…

“Honestly, when it comes to basic equipment, it doesn’t need to be the most expensive or flashy stuff — what matters is how consistently you use it. I've learned that over time, especially playing a ton of games where your feet really take a beating.

Even someone like LeBron, who’s been going strong for 20+ years at the highest level, deals with wear and tear — it’s just part of the game.

Sometimes, you don’t need the top-tier gear — simple equipment can go a long way. Here's why I recommend using Toe Spacers:

• Helps align your feet properly

• Boosts balance and body awareness

• Cuts down the risk of injuries

• Reduces pressure and friction (super key during long stretches)

• Improves circulation and keeps your feet feeling fresh

Trust me, it’s the little things like this that add up and keep you in the game longer.”

God Bless! Faith + Consistency™

🚨Want to see your question answered above? Reply to the newsletter or reach out to me on social. I will group all the questions together and be answering them on the newsletter and vlog in the coming weeks. Cheers!🚨

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Thank you for grabbing your Playbook 🙏

If you have comments or questions or suggestions, PLEASE respond to the newsletter about anything. I want to hear from you and I promise, I read every response. My goal is to continue making a great Playbook and building a great community where we all get better together. And you’re a part of that journey!

Let’s Build Confidence + Consistency™ , on and off the court!

Elijah